Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Episode 49: I Wish You Could See My Face Right Now!

Episode 49


I mentioned the iTunes review from one of the hosts of Unraveling with Greg and Joey, check them out if you get a chance.

Knits in Rehearsal

I'm knitting these out of my first ever skein of Socks that Rock by Blue Moon Fiber Arts.

Vanilla Socks with some White Birch Fiber Arts

 Bryum shawl 
Yarn purchased at my favorite yarn shop, Black Mountain Yarn Shop.

My favorite Miss Babs Yarn, gotta love it!

Auditioning Knits

It's not been released yet, but Joji Locatelli has a new shawl pattern coming out (hopefully) soon. Check out her Instagram feed to see the picture. 

I mentioned having seen the shawl on the Suburban Stitcher Podcast. 

Knitting News, Notes and Events

News
The Broadway KAL is up and running!  I hope you are playing along because there are some great prizes up for grabs.

Cast on: February 15, 2016
Bind off: April 15, 2016
Wips Count!

The theme is Broadway, and you can interpret this theme as strictly or as loosely as you’d like. Basically, your project should tie in with a play or musical (on Broadway, or a little further from the Great White Way, the decision is yours).
How you tie in your project with the theme is up to you, make it work! Have fun! Is the yarn or pattern actually named after a Broadway show or character or even a song from a show? Does the project remind you of a costume from a show? Is the yarn bright green, so it reminds you of Elphaba’s skin in Wicked? You get the point! Here is a great website where you can see Broadway shows listed by the year that they opened. You never know what might inspire you!
There is a featured bundle in this group where any group member is free to add patterns you find that might work.
This thread is for discussion and planning. Feel free to chat, encourage, make suggestions, etc. Closer to the cast-on date, a thread will be opened for finished objects. We will keep this KAL to one post per person in the FO thread, that way everyone is kind of on even ground. You may complete as many projects as you like, but you will put all of your FOs in one post in that thread.
Prizes!

1 pattern from Jennifer Lassonde

1 Skein of yarn from The Happy Buffalo Boutique

2 Skeins of yarn from Ancient Threads Farm
Be sure to check out Ancient Threads Farm! Lynda has generously offered a coupon code, Actually20, that is good through April 15th, for 20% off of anything in her Etsy Shop. 

2 patterns from Estella Haines' Ravelry Shop. 

New Prize Offering! 

Thanks to Thuy from the Twisted Stitches Podcast for the donation of an Original Cast Recording of Hamilton. Listen up to find out about the prompt for this giveaway and thanks to Thuy for the prize. 

There is a chatter thread open on the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry, as well as a Finished Objects thread. Use the tag #AKBroadwayKal2016 on Instagram and Ravelry.

Notes
My mother came for a visit and I taught her how to knit and she loves it! I'm so happy! She's working on her first ever pattern, the Sugar Cubes Baby Washcloth. 


 Events
I attended the Carolina Fiber Frolic a couple of weekends ago and I had am amazing time. Listen up for a short recap of the event.

Heather Storta was the teacher and I really enjoyed taking classes with her.



Non-Knitting Segments

One-Pot Wonders



Love it or Leave it


Leave: End of Quarter Stress


StageCraft

I've been working on even more sewing! Check out my Instagram to see the pics of the bags I have finished this week. I used Ellie Mae Designs K155 and McCalls M6256 for my project bags. 

Book News/Notes


Thanks to a listener for suggesting Modern Mrs. Darcy for book recommendations. I also heard about it on the Cultivate and Create podcast. 

Currently Reading

Started reading The Daughter by Jane Shemilt. 

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter. Warning, this book is very graphic and disturbing. 

Finished Reading

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

Running Updates
I am back at it, training for a 10k in May. No pain, so hopefully the injury is healed. 
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Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Episode 48: No more "selfish" knitting

Knitting Segments


Show Ready Knits



Knits in Rehearsal


Auditioning Knits

Ready to cast on a pair of vanilla socks with some White Birch Fiber Arts and a pair of patterned socks with my first ever skein of Socks that Rock by Blue Moon Fiber Arts. I'm thinking of casting on some Hermione's Everyday Socks or some Zigagular Socks. 

Also ready to swatch and cast on for my Worsted Boxy sweater that I've had in my queue for a long time! 

Will probably cast on the Bryum shawl this week as well. 

Knitting News, Notes and Events

News
I started watching a New to Me video podcast called The Grocery Girls Knit. These ladies are sisters from Canada and they are quite charming.

Notes
My mother came for a visit and I taught her how to knit and she loves it! I'm so happy!

Events

I drew a winner for the Fern Fiber contest that started February 15th. Listen up to see if you are the lucky winner!


I'll be attending the following events:

Carolina Fiber Frolic March 18-20

Carolina Fiber Fest (tentatively) March 26th (tentatively)

The Broadway KAL is up and running!  I hope you are playing along because there are some great prizes up for grabs.

Cast on: February 15, 2016
Bind off: April 15, 2016
Wips Count!

The theme is Broadway, and you can interpret this theme as strictly or as loosely as you’d like. Basically, your project should tie in with a play or musical (on Broadway, or a little further from the Great White Way, the decision is yours).
How you tie in your project with the theme is up to you, make it work! Have fun! Is the yarn or pattern actually named after a Broadway show or character or even a song from a show? Does the project remind you of a costume from a show? Is the yarn bright green, so it reminds you of Elphaba’s skin in Wicked? You get the point! Here is a great website where you can see Broadway shows listed by the year that they opened. You never know what might inspire you!
There is a featured bundle in this group where any group member is free to add patterns you find that might work.
This thread is for discussion and planning. Feel free to chat, encourage, make suggestions, etc. Closer to the cast-on date, a thread will be opened for finished objects. We will keep this KAL to one post per person in the FO thread, that way everyone is kind of on even ground. You may complete as many projects as you like, but you will put all of your FOs in one post in that thread.
Prizes!

1 pattern from Jennifer Lassonde

1 Skein of yarn from The Happy Buffalo Boutique

2 Skeins of yarn from Ancient Threads Farm
Be sure to check out Ancient Threads Farm! Lynda has generously offered a coupon code, Actually20, that is good through April 15th, for 20% off of anything in her Etsy Shop. 

 2 patterns from Estella Haines' Ravelry Shop. 

There is a chatter thread open on the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry, as well as a Finished Objects thread. Use the tag #AKBroadwayKal2016 on Instagram and Ravelry.

Knitting Talk Back 

In the third part of the Carolina in my Mind series, I have an interview with Laurie Gonyea of the Feel Good Yarn Company/Silver Spun Yarn. This is an exciting product and I hope you enjoy hearing all about it!

There is a contest thread up in the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry, check it out and enter to win. This contest will run from March 15th to April 10th, 2016.

Non-Knitting Segments


One Pot Wonders


Love it or Leave it

I only have one thing that works for both Love it and Leave it this episode, the Downton Abbey Series Finale. 

Other News and Notes

No running news, I'm on the injured list. 

Books
I started listening to Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter. It's listed as a psychological thriller, but I haven't had a chance to get really into it yet.

I started reading the Maisie Dobbs Series and I also haven't really gotten into that. Thanks for all of the suggestions on the book thread on Ravelry.

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Monday, February 29, 2016

Episode 47: Triple Threat Knits

Knitting Segments


Show Ready Knits

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Trabajos del Peru
Needles: Size 11 bamboo

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Trabajos del Peru
Needles: Size 11 Knitter's Pride Nova Platina Interchangeables

These knits are both for the #akbroadwaykal and were a donation, plus they were from stash I've had since 2009, making them perfect Triple Threat Knits! 



Knits in Rehearsal

Yarn: Fave Sock by Fiber Story in Deep Sea, Aegean, Squeeze, and Koi Pond 
Needles: Size 5 Signature Convertibles


Knitting News, Notes and Events

The Broadway KAL had it's opening night. I hope you are playing along because there are some great prizes up for grabs.

Cast on: February 15, 2016
Bind off: April 15, 2016
Wips Count!

The theme is Broadway, and you can interpret this theme as strictly or as loosely as you’d like. Basically, your project should tie in with a play or musical (on Broadway, or a little further from the Great White Way, the decision is yours).
How you tie in your project with the theme is up to you, make it work! Have fun! Is the yarn or pattern actually named after a Broadway show or character or even a song from a show? Does the project remind you of a costume from a show? Is the yarn bright green, so it reminds you of Elphaba’s skin in Wicked? You get the point! Here is a great website where you can see Broadway shows listed by the year that they opened. You never know what might inspire you!
There is a featured bundle in this group where any group member is free to add patterns you find that might work.
This thread is for discussion and planning. Feel free to chat, encourage, make suggestions, etc. Closer to the cast-on date, a thread will be opened for finished objects. We will keep this KAL to one post per person in the FO thread, that way everyone is kind of on even ground. You may complete as many projects as you like, but you will put all of your FOs in one post in that thread.
Prizes!

1 pattern from Jennifer Lassonde

1 Skein of yarn from The Happy Buffalo Boutique

2 Skeins of yarn from Ancient Threads Farm
Be sure to check out Ancient Threads Farm! Lynda has generously offered a coupon code, Actually20, that is good through April 15th, for 20% off of anything in her Etsy Shop. 

There is a chatter thread open on the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry, as well as a Finished Objects thread. Use the tag #AKBroadwayKal2016 on Instagram and Ravelry.

Contest News: 
Last episode in the  "Carolina in my Mind" segment, I had an interview with Maria and Nikki of Fern Fiber. These ladies specialize in naturally dyed yarns that are produced without chemicals. I learned a lot talking with these ladies, and they generously provided a giveaway skein for my listeners. Check out  Episode 46  for more information. The giveaway thread will be open 

 Events: 
I'll be attending the following events:

Carolina Fiber Frolic March 18-20

Carolina Fiber Fest (tentatively) March 26th

Finishing class with Alana Dakos May 14th, 2016 at Black Mountain Yarn Shop






Non-Knitting Segments 

One Pot Wonders



Love it or Leave it

Love: LuLaRoe Leggings

Leave: My more frequently needed haircuts!


Stage Craft

I made pants! Simplicity 1887 was very easy to follow and now I'm working on a dress. I'm finding sewing easier and less scary!


Other News and Notes

Book Notes
Wow! I am enjoying all of the suggestions on the Ravelry thread! I have definitely grown my "to read" list on Goodreads, keep the suggestions coming!

I finished reading Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal

I started reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Running Notes
I ran a 10 mile race on February 20th and did pretty well considering my lack of training.

I have another 1/2 marathon on March 5th.









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Sunday, February 14, 2016

Broadway Kal Opening Night!

Knitting Segments


Show Ready Knits

Drips Hat 
This was my Panthers hat, to support my hometown team going to the Super Bowl.

Yarn: Fiberspates Vivacious DK in Deep Aqua and Mission Falls 1824 Wool in Black
I'm holding the DK weight double to match the gauge of the black.
Needles: Size 10 Signature Convertibles, using Magic Loop.


Knitting News, Notes and Events

The Twist Fiber Studio contest ended on February 10th and the winner was announced on this episode. The coupon code, ACTUALLYKNITTING, is still good in the shop until February 29th, 2016. Listen up to see if you are the lucky winner. 

I'll be attending the following events:

Carolina Fiber Frolic March 18-20

Carolina Fiber Fest (tentatively) March 26th

Finishing class with Alana Dakos May 14th, 2016


Broadway Kal
If you are hearing this episode, the KAL has begun! 

Cast on: February 15, 2016
Bind off: April 15, 2016
The theme is Broadway, and you can interpret this theme as strictly or as loosely as you’d like. Basically, your project should tie in with a play or musical (on Broadway, or a little further from the Great White Way, the decision is yours).
How you tie in your project with the theme is up to you, make it work! Have fun! Is the yarn or pattern actually named after a Broadway show or character or even a song from a show? Does the project remind you of a costume from a show? Is the yarn bright green, so it reminds you of Elphaba’s skin in Wicked? You get the point! Here is a great website where you can see Broadway shows listed by the year that they opened. You never know what might inspire you!
There is a featured bundle in this group where any group member is free to add patterns you find that might work.
This thread is for discussion and planning. Feel free to chat, encourage, make suggestions, etc. Closer to the cast-on date, a thread will be opened for finished objects. We will keep this KAL to one post per person in the FO thread, that way everyone is kind of on even ground. You may complete as many projects as you like, but you will put all of your FOs in one post in that thread.
So far there are no sponsors or prizes, but we’ll find something! If you would like to donate a prize, please PM me, Michelle, actuallyknitting.
Yay! Bravo! Break a leg! 

There is a chatter thread open on the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry. Use the tag #AKBroadwayKal2016 on Instagram and Ravelry.

Be sure to check out Ancient Threads Farm! Lynda has generously offered a coupon code, Actually20, that is good through April 15th, for 20% off of anything in her Etsy Shop. 



Knitting Talkback

Continuing the series "Carolina in my Mind," I have an interview with Maria and Nikki of Fern Fiber. These ladies specialize in naturally dyed yarns that are produced without chemicals. I learned a lot talking with these ladies, and they generously provided a giveaway skein for my listeners. Check out the episode for more information. 

This giveaway will be open until March 10, 2016

Non-Knitting Segments

One Pot Wonders


Love it or Leave it

Love it: Gas Fireplace on a cold day!

No leave it this week! Keeping it positive!

Other News and Notes

Running news
I set a new PR in my last race, the Super Bowl 4 miler!

I have a 10 mile race on February 20th and a 1/2 Marathon on March 6th

Books
I've been in a reading rut lately! I've opened a thread in the Ravelry group so you can tell me the last best book you read! 

I finished Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee and I didn't enjoy it AT ALL! 

I've been reading Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal 





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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Episode 45: Am I Stuck in my Knitting Ways?

Episode 45: Bandwagon Knitting

Welcome to new and returning listeners!

Knitting Segments

Knits in Rehearsal

Best Friend Los Monos Locos Socks
Needles: Addi Turbo Sock Rockets (LOVE THESE!)

Yarn: Bison Tracks by Alisha Goes Around in February Ring and Cleopatra (Matchy-matchy, y'all)
Needles: US size 1 and 2 circular needles (Magic Loop for the Win!)

If you struggle with your floats in stranded colorwork, be sure to check out these videos from Philosopher's Wool.
I have finished one of the mitts and I learned two new techniques for these mitts:

Here's the video I used from Anacapa Knits

And below are the two tutorials I used from New Stitch a Day.

Italian Tubular Cast On

Tubular Bind Off

And here is the link I mentioned about the 38 Beautiful Cast Ons. How many do you know?

Virgie Clay 
This is by Sarah Stevens of Oh! Loops and the Fiber By Design Podcast. 
Yarn: Fave Sock by Fiber Story in Deep Sea, Aegean, Squeeze, and Koi Pond 
Needles: Size 5 Signature Convertibles


Drips Hat 
This is a free pattern by Bethany Hill
I'm making this as a Panthers hat, since my hometown team is going to the SuperBowl! 
Yarn: Fiberspates Vivacious DK in Deep Aqua and Mission Falls 1824 Wool in Black
I'm holding the DK weight double to match the gauge of the black.
Needles: Size 10 Signature Convertibles, using Magic Loop. 

Knitting News, Notes and Events

News
Twist Fiber Studio Contest is still on-going. This contest will close on February 10th, and the winner will be announced on the February 15th Episode. There is a coupon code, Actuallyknitting, which gets you 20% off of any purchase you make in the Twist Fiber Studio Etsy Shop.

Broadway Kal
There seems to be some interest in doing the Broadway Kal, so we will start this on February 15th, 2016. 

Cast on: February 15, 2016
Bind off: April 15, 2016
The theme is Broadway, and you can interpret this theme as strictly or as loosely as you’d like. Basically, your project should tie in with a play or musical (on Broadway, or a little further from the Great White Way, the decision is yours).
How you tie in your project with the theme is up to you, make it work! Have fun! Is the yarn or pattern actually named after a Broadway show or character or even a song from a show? Does the project remind you of a costume from a show? Is the yarn bright green, so it reminds you of Elphaba’s skin in Wicked? You get the point! Here is a great website where you can see Broadway shows listed by the year that they opened. You never know what might inspire you!
There is a featured bundle in this group where any group member is free to add patterns you find that might work.
This thread is for discussion and planning. Feel free to chat, encourage, make suggestions, etc. Closer to the cast-on date, a thread will be opened for finished objects. We will keep this KAL to one post per person in the FO thread, that way everyone is kind of on even ground. You may complete as many projects as you like, but you will put all of your FOs in one post in that thread.
So far there are no sponsors or prizes, but we’ll find something! If you would like to donate a prize, please PM me, Michelle, actuallyknitting.
Yay! Bravo! Break a leg! 

There is a chatter thread open on the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry. Use the tag #AKBroadwayKal2016 on Instagram and Ravelry. 

Notes
Check out the new audio podcast from Sarah, Mrsshoo, Cultivate and Create. Don't worry, In a Sknit is still going strong. 

Non-Knitting Segments


One Pot Wonders


Love it or Leave it!

Leave it: Getting over a cold! Cold temperatures! Feeling sluggish!

Stagecraft

I've been working on a couple of sewing projects, plus a cross stitch pattern from Adafruit.com. 

Other News and Notes

I've been slacking off on the running, but I'm getting back to running with my group.

Books
The Woman Who Stole My Life by Marian Keyes

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

A Night Like This by Julia Quinn

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee 

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Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Episode 44: I needed that Knitting!

You'll forgive me for getting a little emotional in this episode, won't you?

Knitting Segments

Show-Ready Knits

Yarn: Bison Tracks by Alisha Goes Around in February Ring and Cleopatra and a mini skein from a gradient kit by Lydia Yarns in the Seattle Sky colorway

Needles: US size 2 and 2.5 

I had a gauge flub (re: I didn't check it before starting), but all in all this was a very enjoyable project. I need to make more hats!



Knits in Rehearsal

Yarn: Bison Tracks by Alisha Goes Around in February Ring and Cleopatra (Matchy-matchy, y'all)
Needles: US size 1 and 2 circular needles (Magic Loop for the Win!)

If you struggle with your floats in stranded colorwork, be sure to check out these videos from Philosopher's Wool. 

News, Notes and Events

It's my Podiversary! I have been podcasting for 2 years now and the best part about it is getting to know other fiber and yarn folks from near and far. Whether you are brand new to the podcast or you've been with me from the beginning, thanks so much for listening! 

Broadway Kal? 
I've been wanting to do a theatre-esque Knit-a-Long from the beginning, but I'm trying to gauge the amount of listeners who would be interested? Listen up for some of my ideas and let me know what you think in the thread for Episode 44. 

Knitting TalkBack

Talkback Part 1: Year in Review/2016 goals
I go over my goals from 2015 and how they helped determine my 2016 goals. Be sure to contribute to the conversation about your 2016 goals in the thread in the Ravelry group!

Talkback Part 2: Carolina in my Mind
I am so excited to bring to you a series featuring local (ish) yarnies, designers and other fiber folk. North Carolina (my home state) has so much to offer in this area, and I'm happy to bring to you a series of interviews and profiles featuring some talented North Carolina people. This episode features an interview with Ashley from Twist Fiber Studio, out of Asheville, North Carolina. Be sure to stay tuned for a giveaway and a coupon code generously offered by Ashley and to learn more about this up and comer in the fiber industry. 

Non-Knitting Segments

One Pot Wonders

This year on the podcast I thought I would change things up a bit and rotate "What a Crock" with "One-Pot Wonders." I'm a lazy cook at heart and these recipes are simple and delicious. Be sure to contribute a recipe (yours or a favorite you  have found) in the thread for "One-Pot Wonders" in the Actually Knitting Podcast group on Ravelry. 


Love it or Leave it

Love: I got a new toy for Christmas, the Silhouette Cameo cutting machine, and I've been making stickers for my Erin Condren Life Planner. 

Here is my referral code, in case you are in the market for a new planner. I am a horizontal user, myself. 

Leave: 
I had to mention the loss of my sweet dog, Jackson, over the Christmas holidays. I am left with a general feeling of loss which has been difficult to deal with. I am, however the luckiest person because I had 13 years with him.




Other News and Notes

Running News
Not much to tell, I took about 3 weeks off and man I'm feeling it! I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things as soon as possible, and I have a couple of races I am training for. 

Books
I started and finished listening to After You by Jojo Moyes. I liked it, but it didn't quite live up to the first in the series, Me Before You. 

I started reading The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty, I have put it down for now because it wasn't holding my attention, but I'm sure I'll pick it up again soon.

I catch you up a little on my recent holidays. 





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Sunday, December 13, 2015

Episode 43: Birthday Fun!

Knitting Segments

Show-Ready Knits
Needles: Size 7 Signature Convertibles

I mentioned Knit Companion and Notability, some apps I use and have used for knitting. 

Knits in Rehearsal
Best Friend Los Monos Locos Socks
Needles: Addi Turbo Sock Rockets (LOVE THESE!)


Vanilla Socks for Josh
I rescued the yarn for these socks from a long term WIP that was starting to make me feel guilty.
Yarn: Wisdom Yarns Saki Bamboo in Crayon Box Colorway
Needles: Size 0 Chiagoo circular needles

Cast on 32 for the toe and increased up to 72 stitches. 


Memories Blanket by Georgie Hallam 
I have added a few more squares to my blanket!


Auditioning Knits


Check out her Authentic Collection, some really great patterns there! 

I've had these in my favorites for almost 7 years! 



Knitting News, Notes and Events


No true events happening right now, but head on over to the Ravelry group to check out all of the goings-on over there! There are lots of active threads and I'd love for you to join in the fun! 

Knitting Talkback


This episode will finish up our series on Ravelry tips and tricks. I've enjoyed the series and I hope you have as well. Today we will discuss the Forums and Groups tabs, as well as talk a little about your profile page. 

Non-Knitting Segments


Love it or Leave it


Love it: Got some crafty goodness for my birthday, including a Strauch Ball Winder and sewing lessons! 


Leave it: I have eaten entirely too much junk food this week! Need to get back on a healthy eating track ASAP. 

Other News and Notes


Running News: 
Hopefully by the time this episode is published I will have completed my 2nd 1/2 marathon! Check out my Instagram to see some pics! 

Birthday Notes:
I had a lovely birthday, thank you to those who sent a message! I got the Strauch Ball Winder as I said before, and also sewing lessons and this really cute set of Bundt Cakes. Check out the Instagram to see more pics! 

My craft room is almost completely finished! It's coming together more and more each week. 

Books
I finished Book 8 in the Rhys Bowen series called Her Royal Spyness. I accidentally skipped this one and read book 9 first!

I'm currently reading Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn. It's silly and fun, that's just where I am lately with my books!

The Serial Podcast is back! This season is shaping up to be just as exciting as the first!









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